Carlexica

P0740: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit/Open

A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.

Fix within weeks

Moderate distances are tolerable if shifting feels normal; shuddering at highway speed says fix it sooner.

$150 - $3,500
typical repair range
119
NHTSA complaints mention this code
101,895
median mileage when reported, mi

Symptoms

  • Shudder at steady highway speed
  • Rpm higher than normal at cruise
  • Stalling when stopping in severe cases

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Torque converter clutch solenoid failure
  2. Worn converter clutch material
  3. Fluid condition affecting clutch engagement

Read P0740 yourself before paying for diagnosis

A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.

What is going on and how it gets diagnosed

P0740 concerns the torque converter clutch - the lockup mechanism that directly couples engine to transmission at cruise for fuel economy. Its failure modes bracket from a solenoid on the valve body to the converter itself.

The rhythmic shudder around 40-50 mph under light throttle is this system's signature complaint. Fresh fluid sometimes genuinely cures early shudder; established mechanical wear does not respond to fluid, and pretending otherwise just postpones the converter bill.

Repair options and cost

Fluid service$150 - $400
TCC solenoid$300 - $800
Torque converter replacement$1,500 - $3,500

Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.

Owner reports mentioning P0740

“The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service Hill Holder, Electronic Stability Control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with codes HAF, DTC, P0740, TCC clutch performance, and metal debris found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”2018 Ram Promaster · Oct 2024 · 85,000 mi
“When driving the vehicle shifted to N and then back to D automatically. Shuddering sometimes. Took the vehicle at dealer and they mentioned transmission is and an issue and will need torque converter.Code P0740 and check engine light illuminated after this.”2015 Dodge Grand Caravan · Oct 2023
“"P0740" OBD2 code, causing vehicle to Fail state Safety Inspection. issue is due to a defect within the transmission, very common with the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country. "Dealer Only Repair" , very costly. Serious Safety Issue. Vehicle cannot be diagnosed by most Certified Mechanics. this faulty reading could mask very serious issues with the Transmission. This issue needs to be expedited to review ASAP. Thank You.”2011 Chrysler Town And Country · May 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“Purchased a 2004 honda pilot used at 136k miles. Within a week of driving the check engine light came on. Engine codes p0700, p0705, p0740 were all present, which are all in relation to the automatic transmission. The transmission shop confirmed that this is a common issue across honda & acura vehicles in the '03-'04 range (see 2003-2004 acura mdx service bulletin 06-003). A design flaw in the torque converter causes it to break down & shed metal fragments, which compromises the rest of the transmission. The only real fix is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Honda americas customer service refused to review my case any further, even under goodwill consideration.”2004 Honda Pilot · Feb 2019 · 136,000 mi
“Having transmission issues. Check engine light came on. Caused by p0740. Dealer engine light is on because the transmission needs to be replaced in a 5 year old vehicle.”2013 Chrysler Town And Country · Jul 2018 · 72,000 mi
“I had just gotten back from port arthur, texas. I had stopped for a traffic light in the left turn lane,and there was traffic stopped behind me, thank goodness. When the light turned green I tried to pull off, but the vehicle did not moved. A man helped me to push the vehicle out of traffic onto a parking lot . After putting the vehicle in different gears, the check engine light finally came on. I called a wrecker to pick it up and deliver it home. Since then I bought a code reader and the code is a p0740. I have read where honda has problems with their transmissions. I called them and they said that my transmission was not on recall.”2001 Honda Civic · Sep 2016 · 71,721 mi
“Intermittent loss of 1st gear/truck starts in 2 or 3rd gear/intermittent trouble codes p0758 and p0740 then codes clear/extremely dangerous when moving into traffic from a stop/ don't know when truck will stall or fail to pick up speed/transmission shops say can't help until codes are set/emailed chevrolet regarding problem/ vehicle has 45000 miles and is not due for service on the transmission until 50000 miles/trucks transmission should not start failing at only 45000 miles/ chevy's response is vehicle past warranty period not responsible for repairs”2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Jan 2016 · 45,000 mi
“The engine light is on. There is hesitation between 20-30 mph. I had a diagnostic test performed and was told: system: transmission, part number: 31036-3aa6b, dtc: p0740, detailed info: torque converter”2012 Nissan Versa · Jul 2015 · 66,562 mi
“Car started shifting hard into first and second gears. Then my check engine light came on and the code: p0740 came up. I have researched this issue and have found that there was a lawsuit in ca regarding this and that it is a major issue for my generation honda. I had my transmission fluids checked and the levels are fine, color is good, and it does not smell burnt. Before I pay for a hefty repair, I would like to know if honda has, or will, taken any responsibility for repairs or replacement.”2001 Honda Accord · Jun 2015 · 197,000 mi
“Check engine light and tcs light came on while driving the van at highway speeds. The transmission shifts smoothly and sounds fine, but the repair shop pulled a code of p0740--tc clutch failure. The transmission is failing, and this is apparently a common problem with honda odysseys. While our transmission lasted longer than many odysseys' do, I think that transmission failure at 119k is unacceptable. *tr”2004 Honda Odyssey · Jun 2014 · 119,000 mi

Cars that report P0740 most often

Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.

2001 Honda Civic19 mentions in complaints2003 Honda Odyssey12 mentions in complaints2001 Honda Odyssey8 mentions in complaints2004 Honda Odyssey7 mentions in complaints2002 Honda Odyssey7 mentions in complaints2000 Honda Odyssey7 mentions in complaints1999 Honda Odyssey5 mentions in complaints1998 Honda Accord4 mentions in complaints1999 Honda Accord4 mentions in complaints1998 Honda Odyssey4 mentions in complaints2003 Acura TL4 mentions in complaints2002 Honda Accord3 mentions in complaints

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with P0740?

Moderate distances are tolerable if shifting feels normal; shuddering at highway speed says fix it sooner.

How much does it cost to fix P0740?

Typical US repair costs range from $150 for the simplest fix (fluid service) to $3,500 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.

Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.